A LEGENDARY CAREER

Michael Bloomfield made much music during his remarkable career, but only a small portion of his work ever reached the listening public. Here are several downloadable Bloomfield recordings and two audio essays that endeavor to provide a fuller picture of the guitarist's contribution to popular music.

EXTRAS

Bloomfield sings during a "Super Session" show at the Fillmore East in December 1968.Marcel Raoul photo

DOWNLOADS

Andy Warhol's Bad

Music by Michael Bloomfield

This 1977 release starred Carroll Baker, Perry King and Susan Tyrrell, and featured music by Michael Bloomfield. A sardonic study in bad taste, black humor and wacky excess in the style of John Waters, the film's plot concerns a beautician who runs a side business providing hitwomen for a series of unsavory customers. Long unavailable, the movie has recently been issued on DVD with Bloomfield's soundtrack intact. Download

The segments are:

1. Bad Theme 2. On the Street 3. On the Phone 4. In the Bar 5. Marsha and Glenda 6. In the Garage

13. Beauty 14. Bad Theme

The Best of the Boots 1966-74

Michael Bloomfield in Performance

This best-of CD was assembled for visitors to this website from the numerous live recordings that exist of Mike Bloomfield playing with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Electric Flag and Michael Bloomfield & Friends. The material will be familiar to most long-time Bloomfield fans, but for those just learning about the guitarist, it will serve as a sampler of Mike's extraordinary talent. While the selections are by no means definitive, each tune captures Mike at his best, and though the sound quality varies, the playing never does. Download

Rara Avis: The Unheard Bloomfield

Michael Bloomfield in Performance

HERE IS A SELECTION of rare Bloomfield performances, many of which have never been heard before. They come from a variety of sources and vary in sound quality, but each offers an example of the remarkable range and depth of Michael's guitar virtuosity. Of particular note is "It's About Time." While the sound is poor, Bloomfield's playing is extraordinary. Download

1. Work Song (excerpt) | Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Golden Bear(?), Huntington Beach, CA; February(?) 1967

2. Untitled Samba | Michael Bloomfield (overdubbed duet)

Reed Street home recording; early 1970s

3. Why I’m Goin’ to Memphis | Michael Bloomfield (overdubbed duet)

Reed Street home recording; early 1970s

4. It’s About Time | Electric Flag

The Cheetah(?), Venice, CA; Spring 1968

5. Basin Street | Michael Bloomfield & Mark Naftalin

Neutral Grounds Coffee House(?), New Orleans, LA; Spring 1976 or 1977

6. Small Walk-in Box | Michael Bloomfield & Nick Gravenites (g)

Pipeline Tavern, Seattle, WA; March 10, 1976

7. Little Wing | Michael Bloomfield & Jon Cramer (p)

Reed Street home recording; probably 1973

8. Maria Elena | Michael Bloomfield & Friends

My Father’s Place, Roslyn, NY; October 20, 1978

9. It Ain’t Nobody’s Business | Michael Bloomfield & Friends

Unknown venue, town, OR; 1976(?)

10. Rockin’ in the Same Old Boat | Michael Bloomfield & Friends

Catalyst Club, Santa Cruz, CA; September 5, 1976

11. I’m Droppin’ Out on You | Paul Butterfield Blues Band

RADIO SHOW

Michael Bloomfield: An American Guitarist

His Life and Legacy, Parts 1-4

This series was a four-hour radio broadcast originally heard over WJFF 90.5 FM, Jeffersonville, NY, on July 27, 2008, in celebration of Michael Bloomfield's 65th birthday anniversary. The program was produced and hosted by author and historian David Dann and featured the voices of Allen Bloomfield, Toby Byron, Norman Dayron, Mark Naftalin and others, plus hard-to-find performances by Bloomfield, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Bob Dylan and others. Download the show from the links listed below.